AYou can enjoy eBooks from NCDL/Overdrive in three formats: Kindle Books, EPUB, and PDF. Kindle Books can be delivered to Kindle devices and Kindle reading apps. EPUB eBooks are perfect for mobile devices and eBook readers because of their ‘reflowable’ text, or text that fits any screen. PDF titles have fixed text, but the page can be zoomed to create a large print eBook.
We offer audiobooks in two formats: WMA and MP3. MP3 files are twice as large as WMA. This means WMA audiobooks download and transfer more quickly. Compatibility refers to how you can play the audiobook. MP3 audiobooks are compatible with more devices, and play on Mac.
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QWhat portable devices are compatible?

ANew portable devices are constantly coming on the market so the list of compatible devices is always growing. Overdrive continually evaluates new devices and updates this list, which can be found here.
Many eBook readers have restrictions on the DRM (digital rights management) required by publishers for borrowing materials. Be sure to check for compatibility before downloading a title.
iPods are compatible with both WMA and MP3 audiobooks, but only MP3 files will download to Mac® computers. WMA titles marked as compatible with transfer to an Apple device (such as an iPod or iPhone) must be downloaded using a Windows PC first. Once downloaded on a Windows computer, they can be transferred to an Apple device.
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QWhat software do I need?

AFree software for your computer and portable smart device is available here.Top

QHow many titles can I check out?

AYou can check out four (4) titles at a time. This total can be made up of different formats as well types (i.e. eBook or audiobook). Top

QHow long can I keep the title?

AYou can now change the default lending period for digital formats. Click on Account on the North Carolina Digital Library page, and then click Settings from the right-hand menu. Pick the desired lending period for each format. Top

QCan I download music?

AYes.
OverDrive Music can be downloaded and enjoyed on Windows computers using OverDrive Media Console. You can also transfer to compatible devices. Learn more about Overdrive Music here.Top

QCan I download videos?

AYes.
OverDrive Video can be downloaded to Windows computers using OverDrive Media Console. From there you can also transfer to compatible devices. Learn more about Overdrive Video here.Top

QWhat are Disney Online Books?

ADisney Online Books are colorful, interactive eBooks that are both fun and educational. Your mouse pointer turns into a 'magic pen' that reads words aloud with a click. You can look up words in the dictionary or take trivia challenges without losing your place in a book. Learn how to enjoy these great titles on your computer here.Top

QCan I place a title on hold?

AYes.
Unavailable titles have grayed-out format icons in the top-right corner of each cover image. You can place a hold on an unavailable title to be added to the waiting list. Click on a title to open its details page, and then click Place a Hold. If prompted, sign in with your information. Enter your email address and click Place a Hold. When you receive an email notifying you that the title is available, follow these instructions to retrieve your hold.
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QCan I renew my title?

A Yes. The option to renew a title becomes available three days before the title is set to expire for both eBooks and audiobooks. If there are no existing holds on a title, the Renew icon will be green. In this case, you can then borrow the title again immediately once your first checkout expires. If there are existing holds on a title, the Renew icon will be grayed out. In this case, you can still use the renew feature to reserve a spot on the title's wait list so that you can borrow it again as soon as it's available. Once you renew a title, its Renew icon on your library Bookshelf will have a checkmark next to it. You can only use the renew feature once for each checkout. Top

QCan I burn/transfer an audiobook to a CD/device?

AAudiobooks can be burned to a CD if the publisher has given that permission. Audiobooks can also be transferred to devices, although there might be a limit to the number of transfers and devices. All this information can be found on each titles’ Digital Rights Information. More on that here.Top

QHow do I return my title? Can I return it early?

AReturns happen automatically when the loan period ends. For audiobooks, you agree to delete the media files when you are finished listening.
eBooks can be returned early in a variety of ways. Titles can be returned via the NCDL website if the title has not been locked into a format, i.e. EPUB, PDF. Once the title is locked into a format, it can be returned through one of the free software: Adobe Digital Editions, Overdrive Media Console, or the Overdrive Mobile App for you device.
If you finish with an MP3 audiobook early, you can return it before the library lending period expires. Due to licensing agreements, WMA titles cannot be returned prior to expiration.
Note: Currently, OverDrive Media Console for Mac does not support audiobook returns.
Learn more on returning titles hereTop

QCan I buy a title through the North Carolina Digital Library?

AYes! Each title’s page has the “Buy It Now” that allows you to purchase that title through LibraryBIN. Top

The Library’s public access computers are not capable of performing OverDrive functions.
The Library cannot provide technical support for the many possible configurations
of personal computers, software, or portable devices.